Cricket often known as Gentlemen’s game, has an unique charm that fetches the attention of millions around the globe. Among its various formats Test cricket is the ultimate format. Test cricket brings the best out of every player testing their skillwise,endurance and patience over five days of play. In 2019 the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the World Test Championship (WTC) to add a new layer of excitement to the Pinnacle format.
What is World Test Championship (WTC)
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC), often known as test world cup is the ultimate prize for Test Cricket. It is a league competition run by ICC.The inaugural edition took place in 2019. With intent to have one pinnacle tournament for each format, the ICC introduced WTC as a pinnacle championship for Test cricket. Australia are the current holders of the ultimate prize with India finishing up as runners up in both the finals held.
Playing Criteria
Each of the ten participating teams are scheduled to play the Three Home series and three away series. Each match taking place is 12 points up for grabs for both the teams contesting. In case of a Tie both the teams are awarded with six points each. In case of a Draw both the contesting teams are rewarded with four points each. In case a game is abandoned, contesting teams must satisfy themselves with no points. Bonus Points are awarded to the teams winning the series depending upon the number of the matches held in the series.
Importance
Each of the ten participating teams are scheduled to play the Three Home series and three away series. Each match taking place is 12 points up for grabs for both the teams contesting. In case of a Tie both the teams are awarded with six points each. In case of a Draw both the contesting teams are rewarded with four points each. In case a game is abandoned, contesting teams must satisfy themselves with no points. Bonus Points are awarded to the teams winning the series depending upon the number of the matches held in the series.
The Finals
After a hard-fought battle on the cricket fields for a period of two years the top two teams make their way into the finals of the ICC World Test Championship. The final is a one-off test match played at a neutral venue to add more thrill to the format. The winner is crowned as the World Test Champions, adding their name into the history of this beautiful sport.
Games of The WTC
Many Top nations face each other in the league stages of the tournament and serve us with the best possible thrilling games that fetches attention of every cricket loving human being around the globe.
One such moment came in way back in 2019 during The Ashesh where England’s Ben stokes snatched the victory out of Australia’s jaws. England saw a fumble in the middle chasing a huge total of 359 set by Australia for win. England was on the verge of losing the Ashesh.
But Ben Stokes had other plans. Fighting alone Ben Stokes was the only hope remaining for England. And guess what, Ben didn’t disappoint England and Cricket fans. With an attacking 135 Ben Stokes took England home with just one wicket remaining. It was a Masterclass at Headingley.
Another Game that caught the attention of every cricket loving Human being took place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). During a game of the highly anticipated The Border Gavaskar Trophy, Chasing a target of 407 India found themselves under the cloud at 272 for 5 onto the final day. At a point India were in control of the chase with Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara taking the attack back onto the opposition.
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach and Cheteshwar Pujara’s patient knock kept India in the hunt of the chase. After their fall India were on a verge of losing the game but folks Hanuma Vihari and Ravi Ashwin had other plans. The determination and skill level came to the act and both the players with their strong mindset somehow held onto a draw.
Another Instance Took place at the home of cricket The Lord’s where India took the honors on the final day. India was on top of the game from day one. But English captain bought England back into the game and with his brilliant display of leadership England were in a commanding position. Coming into the final day of the Test match England were favorites to win the game. Afterall it’s about the pride Pataudi Trophy.
But Indias lower order batters were in it to spoil England’s party. Jasprit Bumrah and Shami scripted something for the ages. Facing the heat from bowlers and the fielders around them, both held on to the wicket with a strong determination. From being behind in the game slowly with the help of Shami and bumrah India claw their way back into the contest.
Shami notched up a brilliant unbeaten fifty while Jasprit Bumrah was unbeaten at 34. England needed 272 to win the game in the final two sessions of the final day.
It was now time for the Indian bowlers to come to the Party. And boy o boy they scripted something for the ages. Chasing 272 England were bundled out for just 120 and India took the honors by 151 runs.
One of the Best things about ICC World Test Championship is unpredictability that it brings onto the cricket field. From nail-biting finishes to epic comebacks, every match is making its way onto the pages of the history of this wonderful sport.
Whether a tense chase on the fifth day or a thrilling final day showdown, Test cricket never fails to entertain its admirers around the globe.
Conclusion
Beyond the thrill and excitement that test cricket serves to its audience, The World Test Championship also meets the bigger goal of shaping up the future of Test Cricket. By providing context to the bilateral series and raising the aura of test matches, it makes sure that every game holds significance in the larger scheme of things.
This in turn helps in preserving the purest form of the sport and ensures that it is relevant to the modern way of playing the sport. In a world that’s constantly evolving, the ICC World Test Championship stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the oldest and most cherished format of cricket.
